What is the origin of the last name Lockwood?
Countries of origin for the last name Lockwood
The last name LOCKWOOD has an English origin and is derived from the Old English words “loc” and “wudu,” which mean “enclosure” and “wood” respectively. The name LOCKWOOD is therefore a toponymic surname, indicating that the initial bearer of the name resided near or within a wooded area or encampment.
The surname LOCKWOOD has a long history, dating back to medieval England. It is believed to have originated in Yorkshire, an English county known for its dense forests and woody landscape. The earliest instances of the name LOCKWOOD can be traced as far back as the 12th century.
Over time, the LOCKWOOD family expanded and migrated to various parts of the United Kingdom, as well as to other parts of the world such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Many individuals bearing the name LOCKWOOD immigrated to America during the 17th and 18th centuries, contributing to its presence in the United States today.
The LOCKWOOD surname gained prominence and influence throughout the centuries, with several notable individuals bearing this name. One such individual is Edmund Lockwood, a prominent early American settler who arrived in Massachusetts in 1630. Edmund Lockwood played a significant role in the development and establishment of the town of Watertown in Massachusetts.
In the United States, the LOCKWOOD surname is relatively common and is found throughout the country. According to the 2010 United States Census, there were approximately 22,971 individuals with the last name LOCKWOOD, making it the 1,831st most common surname in the nation. The distribution of the LOCKWOOD surname within the United States is relatively even, with concentrations in states such as New York, Texas, and California.
The LOCKWOOD surname also carries historical significance in the field of literature. Nathaniel Hawthorne, a renowned American author, featured the LOCKWOOD family in his novel “The House of the Seven Gables,” adding to the prominence and recognition of the name in popular culture.
While the LOCKWOOD surname has a rich history and multiple connections, it remains important to acknowledge that individual family histories and personal narratives can differ within the broader context of the name. The LOCKWOOD surname may hold different meanings and associations for different families, stemming from their unique genealogical and historical backgrounds.
Interesting facts about the last name Lockwood
- The surname Lockwood can be traced back to medieval England, with its origins in the Old English language.
- Lockwood is a locational surname, indicating that the original bearers of the name were associated with a specific place called Lockwood.
- The place name Lockwood is derived from the Old English words “loc” meaning “enclosure” or “enclosed place” and “wudu” meaning “wood” or “forest.”
- Lockwood is found as a surname in various parts of England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire.
- The Lockwood surname has been recorded in historical documents since the late 13th century, indicating its long presence in English society.
- Over time, variations of the surname Lockwood have emerged, including Lockewode, Lockwud, and Lockett.
- The Lockwood family name spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand through emigration.
- Lockwood is a relatively uncommon surname, ranking around 14,000th in terms of popularity in the United States.
- Lockwood has also been used as a given name, particularly in the United States, with notable individuals such as American inventor and entrepreneur, Lockwood DeWitt Greene.
- The Lockwood surname does not hold any specific occupational or social connotations, suggesting that its bearers were likely part of the general population rather than belonging to a specific profession or social class.
Name Rank
#1806
There are around 19865 people with the last name Lockwood in the US